UK to Refund Spring Tickets, AD Suggests Donation

University of Kentucky athletics director Mitch Barnhart this week announced plans for ticket refunds for fans who had already made purchases for events canceled because of the coronavirus pandemic, giving season-ticket purchasers the option to convert their refund into a donation if they'd like.

“We’re almost a week into life with no games and it’s not getting any easier,” Barnhart said in a letter to Big Blue Nation on Wednesday. “Every day brings a new reminder of what we’re missing, but right now is a time to focus on something much bigger: the health and well-being of our student-athletes, coaches, staff, fans and the world at large.”

As reported by the Lexington Herald-Leader, the Southeastern Conference announced a day earlier that the full spring sports season — including baseball, softball, and track and field — had been cancelled.

Barnhart’s message said UK would offer refunds to the official purchaser of record for all tickets to games affected by the cancellations. He said more information would be communicated directly to baseball and softball season-ticket holders. He added, "If you are interested in forgoing your refund for baseball and softball season tickets and making that a donation to our program, we would sincerely appreciate it."

His message also included reassurance in these troubling times. “Games, meets, matches and tournaments will return," Barnhart said. "When they do, we will be ready to compete and ready to welcome the Big Blue Nation.”